For anyone with an interest in the arts from architecture to history to anything creative, the Arts Society Wantage is a worthwhile group to become a member of. Formed in 1985, the Arts Society Wantage is a member of a national association of societies co-ordinated by the leading arts charity ‘The Arts Society’ who bring people together who share a passion for the arts.
The local group holds a series of interesting monthly talks (with the exception of August and December) at The Beacon in Wantage, OX12 9BX. Lectures start at 10.45 am with members and their guests gathering beforehand for coffee from 9.45 am until 10.30 am. The talks cover an eclectic range of topics and are given by highly qualified experts in their chosen field, all registered with The Arts Society central office.
The New Year starts with a lecture on Friday 26 January by Harry Fletcher on ‘Trials and Tribulations – The Life and Works of Dame Laura Knight.’ Laura was originally from Derbyshire but at the age of 13 she entered the Nottingham School of Art as one of the youngest students ever to join the School. Whilst a student Laura met Harold Knight who was the most promising of students and she decided to copy Harold’s technique. The couple married in 1903 and four years later they moved the artists’ colony in Newlyn, Cornwall where Laura painted in an Impressionist style. Following the end of WWI, the Knights moved to London where Laura’s career as an artist went from strength to strength. During his lecture, Harry Fletcher will be considering Laura Knight’s major works of art and with a career extending into the 1960s, his talk should be fascinating.
On February 23, James Butterwick will be introducing members to ‘Oleksandr Bohomazov 1880-1930: The Lost Futurist of Ukraine’. Having never left the Russian nor Soviet empires in his lifetime, this Kiev-based artist can only have heard about the new tendencies in Western Art through magazines or publications. Nonetheless, Bohomazov managed to create masterpieces no less exceptional or ground-breaking than those of his European contemporaries. A difficult, at times tragic life, shaped by a passionate love story on a background of major historical upheaval – Oleksander Bohomazov is an artist of revolutionary ideas and unique style. James Butterwick examines the legacy of the genius who many consider the national artist of the Ukraine and how his work is finally moving into the light.
The March lecture on the 22 March is by Rosalind Whyte who will be talking about ‘Mad Tracey from Margate: The Work of Tracey Emin’. Tracey Emin shot to fame and notoriety with My Bed in 1999, taking up a role as the enfant terrible of the Young British Artists. She has since earned fortune and criticism in equal measure, with important curators and critics supporting her work, whilst others have accused her of courting controversy and being self-indulgent in the autobiographical slant of her work. This lecture looks at some aspects of what is best described as a wide-ranging and varied body of work and seeks to examine some of the reasons behind the antagonism Emin has faced.
As well as being able to listen to fascinating talks on a wide range of subjects, members can also participate in visits and guided tours organised by the Society to museums, galleries, and other places of artistic, architectural and historical interest. Details will be posted on the website so keep a look out at theartssocietywantage.org/visits.
Other activities include study days which offer members the opportunity to learn more about a subject in greater detail from an expert in the field. Subjects have ranged from ‘Shakespeare through artist’s eyes’ to a hand-on introduction to watercolour painting. The study days are held at Letcombe Regis Village Hall and an excellent lunch is also provided. Again, information is posted on theartsocietywantage.org
For people with an interest in heritage conservation, you can get involved in Library Conservation work. Books are assessed, cleaned and repaired as required and recorded. For further information please visit theartssocietywantage.org/library-conservation
Finally, the Arts Society Wantage aims to inspire young people with a lasting enthusiasm for the Arts, providing a grant each year towards an appropriate project. More details can be found on theartssocietywantage.org/young-arts
Membership provides great value for money at just £50 per year with membership renewal in July. If you would like to apply to become a member, simply contact Clem Davies via email: clemdavies2010@sky.com or call him on 07801 458160 or 01235 764037.
